Checkpoint

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Hamilton is gearing up to host the All Blacks and France tomorrow evening. Sports reporter Jamie Wall spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Contingency measures drawn up by concerned Taupo Hospital clinicians show plans to move patients to Rotorua Hospital if staff shortages forced Taupo's clinic to close. The hospital, which serves a population of 40,000 people in the tourist region, has struggled to attract enough senior doctors to fill its roster. This forced the hand of workers to plan for the worst. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham obtained a copy of the Escalation and Closure Plan for Taupo Hospital and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

New Zealand hip-hop great King Kapisi says he will always be proud of Fat Freddy's Drop founder Chris Faiumu, for taking Wellington and South Pasific music to the world. Mr Faiumu, also known as DJ Mu or Fitchie, died suddenly on Wednesday. He was a pioneer of the New Zealand music scene, and a force behind Fat Freddy's Drop, one of the most successful bands to come out of Aotearoa. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Murder-accused Julia DeLuney interrupted the Crown during closing arguments at the High Court in Wellington this morning. She's on trial for the murder of her mother Helen Gregory on January 24 last year, a crime she denies. Kate Green reports.

It can now be revealed child exploitation and beastiality material were allegedly found on former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming's work devices. McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

A Christchurch entrepreneur whose business idea was once backed by the Kings charity for startups - has now landed another major supporter and cash boost. Nicole Gaviria has been selected from 16,000 business owners around the world to be mentored by Dragon's Den investor and Host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, Steven Bartlett. It's one of the world's most popular business podcasts, reporting 50 million monthly listeners. Nicole is a counsellor who has started up Binge Free Bestie - on a mission to help women end binge and emotional eating. As part of the win she will also get $100,000. Nicole Gaviria spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The All Blacks are seeking a series sweep over France with victory in tomorrow night's sold out third and final test in Hamilton and locals are keen to brush off any suggestion the city isn't a desirable destination. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made ten changes to his starting side for the match, with seven of the new players from the Chiefs. Rugby reporter Joe Porter reports.

Changes to a decades-long needle exchange contract have left people worried the decision will breed distrust, potentially leading to needle-sharing. Health NZ has not renewed the contract for DISC Trust, which has operated needle exchange services across the South Island for 35 years. Health chiefs have instead opted for a new provider. Katie Todd reports.

Welsh football arrives on our shores this weekend with the Wellington Phoenix playing Wrexham in a pre-season clash. Wrexham's Hollywood owners have helped bring attention to the club off the pitch, while the players have achieved three successive promotions from non-league football to the English Championship on the pitch. But Wrexham aren't the only club getting the celebrity treatment. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.